CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed a statewide ban on assault weapons.

The Democrat used his amendatory veto power today to include the ban in a bill related to ammunition sales. It's now up to lawmakers to accept his changes or reject them.

In a letter to members of the General Assembly, Quinn says the ban will make Illinois a safer place to live.

The proposal also calls for a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. It was first reported by The Associated Press.

Quinn's proposal faces hurdles in Illinois.

The bill's original sponsor is Republican state Sen. David Luechtefeld. He accuses Quinn of playing politics. His bill would have allowed Illinois residents to have ammunition purchased in-state shipped to them.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Associated Press